Hi there! My name is Abbey Cramer and I have lived in the Traverse City area for nearly 3 years. I work as a physical therapist for Great Lakes Physical Therapy and love being able to make a difference in people’s lives everyday. My husband, Taylor, and I enjoy everything this area has to offer including it’s pristine sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, nearby ski slopes, and beautiful wine regions that make this place home. Beyond the geographic draws, this region has become home in large part due to the welcoming community of which we have been privileged to become active members. When I’m not working or experiencing the outdoors, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking, baking, reading, and gardening.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my husband, Taylor, and our Australian Cattle Dog (blue heeler), Indie.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I currently work as a physical therapist in Traverse City with Great Lakes Physical Therapy. I have the privilege of working with a variety of individuals across the multiple settings that our company provides including our Eighth Street clinic, our brain injury rehabilitation center, New Approaches, and in the home through our House Calls division. What I love most about my career is being able to connect with my clients, validate what they are going through, and empower them to move forward on their path to recovery.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mama Lu’s, Slabtown Burgers
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
Taylor and I moved to this area at the start of 2018. We would frequent the Traverse City area throughout our relationship as we visited family and vacationed with friends. We had always dreamed that one day we could call this place home. When an opportunity within my company allowed for a transfer, we jumped at the chance to uproot our lives in Cheboygan much sooner than expected.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Heather Hollick, author of Helpful: A Guide to Life, Careers, and the Art of Networking. She has an amazing story behind how she got to where she is today and a unique perspective on the importance of strengthening our human relationships.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Japan. I am so intrigued the various climates and terrain within the island, enamored by the culture, and am a huge fan of sushi! I recently begun my training in the Japanese healing method of Reiki and would love the opportunity to experience the country in which it was founded.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: V for Vendetta; TV show: Fargo
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Find a local. They can give you the best advice on where to shop for handmade goods, where to find the best hole-in-the-wall burger joint, where to find a secret beach, and how to truly embrace the essence of Grand Traverse County.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit all of the country’s national parks.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
Yen Yoga & Fitness. They created such a welcoming atmosphere and sense of belonging in an industry that can often feel cold and judgmental. They have become so innovative in their approach to the economic challenges that COVID-19 has presented this year. Despite having to reimagine how they can safely deliver their services, I feel that they have been able to draw the members of this community closer than ever..
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
Tieghan Gerard. She is a food blogger and I am so impressed at how she was able to turn her passion into her career. I have her cookbook, Half-Baked Harvest Super Simple, and have yet to try a recipe I don’t like. I would have us meet at Amical for lunch because I find their attention to detail and flavor to be paramount in their dishes.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that our community has a spirit of helpfulness. Everyone I meet here is interested in helping you reach your goals and dreams by connecting you with others and supporting your endeavors.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself living with my family in an old farmhouse or cabin in the woods continuing to live out our active lifestyle through hiking, gardening, and cooking what we grow.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wish I still had my first car, a bright red Cutlass Supreme, complete with trailer hitch and manual window that would suddenly drop without warning.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Washington
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
September. New Year’s Eve. My birthday-Groundhog’s Day
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband. He is constantly taking in information. He has his own podcast, Cold Shower, that he started nearly 3 years ago with a focus on facilitating personal growth through conversation. He has now turned his passion into his career in order to help others get their podcasts off the ground with Cold Shower Media. He is empathetic, compassionate, and truly making a difference in this community.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
Late summer. Head to the beach in the evening for a dip in the crisp waters of Lake Michigan; followed by great conversation while we are snuggled around a bonfire as we watch the sunset.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
warm, inviting, comfortable
